Brilliant design and pattern. I like how the polka dots draw the eye down and up, but not to the middle (not that she has anything to worry about. In her case, she the belt is a great touch for showing off her great figure) Her stylishness and insouciance complete the look beautifully. Bravo!

Perfect post for today. On the anniversary of one of NY’s darkest days, you’ve shown us one of New York’s most wonderful sights – a beautiful girl in a great dress, smiling & looking great against the sunny background of NYC. 9/11′s always a hard one for me, but you’ve really brightened it up. Thanks, Sart!

The thing that bothers me here is,that it is almost too perfect to be true. I guess she has really spent lots of time fixing her outfit,make-up and hair.Maybe if she had not fixed everything to perfection I would like it more.Now there is nothing left for the viewer and the big bag doesnÂ´t count.

This is off topic, but I posted this Ann Sexton poem here on this blog on September 11th a year ago and, as a fellow new yorker, I hope you don’t mind if I post it again today.

Carter

Riding the Elevator Into the SkyBy Anne Sexton (1975)

As the fireman said: Don’t book a room over the fifth floor in any hotel in New York.They have ladders that will reach further but no one will climb them. As the New York Times said: The elevator always seeks outthe floor of the fireand automatically opensand won’t shut. These are the warningsthat you must forgetif you’re climbing out of yourself. If you’re going to smash into the sky.

Many times I’ve gone pastthe fifth floor, cranking upward, but only oncehave I gone all the way up. Sixtieth floor: small plants and swans bendinginto their grave. Floor two hundred: mountains with the patience of a cat, silence wearing its sneakers. Floor five hundred: messages and letters centuries old, birds to drink, a kitchen of clouds. Floor six thousand: the stars, skeletons on fire, their arms singing. And a key, a very large key, that opens something â€“ some useful door â€“ somewhere â€“ up there.

I love this site, but one of the things i love is seeing New York and feeling like i am there on that day. But it is raining and dismal in the city today, and this woman is in full sun. I guess these shots are stock, but i wish it were more like a visual diary.

Comment for anon 9:13… Nothing left for the viewer? How about that nice sensation of looking at someone confident in what she’s wearing? The feeling that you want to smile in response to another’s warm smile, which brightens your whole day? And I disagree that this look is overdone–her hair is cut so well, it looks like it’s pretty much a wash-and-wear kind of style. Nothing is simpler than putting on a great dress–the true style, I believe, is in the little flip of the collar. That is making a great dress her own (as well as the slightly conspiratorial smile).

sorry to be debbie downer but… not that impressed. i guess i would like it more if it didn’t seem like she had spent so long preening and perfecting. i like the shoes. i like the bag. i like the hair. i do not like polka dots. i do not like the collar on the dress nor the sleeves. i especially do not like the collar and the sleeves combined. AND i’m really over the belt. sorry. you also mention that she’s a young sophisticate which makes this outfit that much worse. if shes around my age, which she probably is, it just seems as if she’s trying too hard to be “grown up”. just makes me feel that she’s playing dress up. too costume-y. she needs something that would throw it off and she obviously thought the bag would do the trick. not so much….

I always find it amusing when someone like the previous poster leaves the longest comment and the only one that’s negative. I think it evidences a certain jealousy and unwillingness to let others be praised. she looks great and, though the bag’s a bit large, fashion week comes with show notes, folders and goodie bags to carry. All it says is that she’s a practical girl as well as a stylish one.

This really looks like a model shoot.Only the bag-which is too massive for the light outfit-shakes the picture.Perhaps the bag could be some other shape plus color,then the model effect would be perfect.

Does anyone know who does that dress – love it! I’m so sick of seeing girls in sack dresses this look is sophisticated and polished. It almost has a slight vintage vibe, or like its out of an old movie scene. Love that Prada bag too!

the t-strap shoes are aerosoles – I recognize them because I have them myself! Extremely comfortable and stylish and only about $39.00. You don’t have to spend a fortune on comfortable stylish shoes, really.

In 1962 my mother wore an identical dress. She had a stunning resemblance to Ava Gardner and even though I was only 10, I can see her like it was yesterday. Thanks for the reminder with this gorgeous shot.